Meet and greet at the airport on arrival Chennai International (MAA) and private transfer to hotel in Mahabalipuram . Arrival at Chennai. Meet, greet, assist and transfer to Mahabalipuram. Mahabalipuram was built in the 7th century, this ancient Pallava Dynasty port is the site of several unique sculptural marvels. Its only remaining shore temple is a spectacular two-spired temple complex, which is unique as it is dedicated to two deities namely Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. The Pallavas had perfected the art of sculpting massive rocks to build temples. Its five monolith Raths or chariots stand in testimony to the Pallava workmanship. Mahabalipuram a quaint little holiday destination. It is an ancient village with a boulder strewn landscape. Visitors are drawn to this place by its miles of unspoiled beach. The sculpture are of a particular interest as they depict day-to- day life of a bygone era. This is in contrast to the other temple towns where the carvings depict gods and goddesses. Once checked into your hotel there is the afternoon tour of Mahabalipuram. The tour includes a vist to the Arjun's Penance as well as Krishna Mandapa. These are massive rock carvings in the center of the village. The major attractions of Mahabalipuram includes a fourteen cave-temples called ‘Mandapas’, nine monolithic shrines called “Rathas” and four sculptured relief rock panels plus much more.

• Mahabalipuram

After breakfast proceed for Kanchipuram. The City of Thousand Temples is one of the oldest temple towns in India. It is also renowned for its famed Kanjeevaram silk sarees. This temple town was a major spiritual and learning destination in the tenth century. The town of Kanchi was ruled by several dynasties including being part of the fabled empire of Vijayanagar. With each leaving a distinctive architectural footprint. In spite of several invasions by Mughal and British armies, Kanchipuram retains its distinctive style. Highlight of the tour includes a visit to the soaring Ekambareswar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is sprawled over an area of twenty acres. It’s Gopuram or temple tower stands tall at fifty seven meters, with beautifully sculptured granite walls and a “thousand-pillar” hall. Varadaraja Perumal Temple with its 100-pillar Mandapam or Pavillion is another architectural delight. Other temples visited are the Kailasnatha Temple, Kamakshi Amman Temple and Vaikuntha Perumal Temple. There is the option to visit a Handloom weaving factory. Return to Mahabalipuram.

• Mahabalipuram
• Breakfast Only

A morning tour of Mahabalipuram and places of interest or enjoy the beach. Leave for Pondicherry or Puducherry. This town was a French colonial settlement in India till 1954. Its French legacy is well-kept in its French Quarter and evident in its tree-lined boulevards, colonial villas and fashionable boutiques. Its scenic seaside promenade along the Bay of Bengal is an aide-mémoire of a bygone era.

• Pondicherry.
• Breakfast Only

Morning city tour of this wonderful enclave. A charming picture perfect quaint French town with infusion of India with shipshape cobbled streets, stylish villas, policemen with Red Kepis, signage in Tamil, English and French with busts of Dupleix and Joan of Arc within its well-maintained public parks. Day tour includes a visit Aurobindo Ashram founded in 1926 and Auroville. Both exude a spiritual experience and draws tourists as well as disciples from the world over. Raj Nivas or the former palace of The Dupleix, the botanical gardens, Chunnambar boat house, Bharathi Park, Local Museum, the Romain Rolland Library and the four hundred year old banyan tree at Keezhoor. Later on the tour continues to the coastal town of Marakanam that was first established as a port in the first century A.D. Later in the evening a good opportunity to walk along the scenic seaside boulevard or visit the beach.

• Pondicherry
• Breakfast Only

Leave for the town of Tanjore. En-route visit Chidambaram, Darasuram, Kumbakonam, & Gangaikonda Cholapuram. Chidambaram – Is approximately a 65 km drive from Pondicherry and famous for its Shiva temple. The origins of this temple are in the year 1500 B.C and shrouded in myth & mystery. The legendary Nadi astrologer clan are about a half hour drive at a nearby village called Vaitheeswaran Koil. Great Living Chola Temples and World heritage sites These were built by kings of the Chola Empire. The Great living Chola temples are designated world heritage sites and include three great 11th century temples. Namely the Brihadisvara Temple at Thanjavur, the Brihadisvara Temple at Gangaikondacholisvaram and the Airavatesvara Temple at Darasuram. The Temple of Gangaikondacholisvaram was completed in the year 1035 A.D. Its 53 meter sanctum tower or Vimana has a graceful upward curving movement contrasting with the straight and ascetic tower at Thanjavur. The Airavatesvara temple complex at Darasuram features a 24 meter Vimana and a stone idol of lord Shiva. The temples built by Kings Rajendra I and Rajendra II stand in testimony to the genius of the Chola Empire in architecture, sculpture, painting and bronze casting. Kumbakonam is the temple city in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu and famous for its Mahamaham festival celebrated once every 12 year. The town is celebrated for its brass vessels. At the end of the temple tour continue your one hour plus road journey to Tanjore.

• Tanjore
• Breakfast Only

A day tour of the town of Tanjore exudes a quiet wisdom of centuries of cultural and religious tradition Thanjavur exudes the quiet wisdom of the past. The town is on the banks of river Cauvery, with abundant paddy fields, coconut groves and mango orchards. The district of Tanjore is famous for its delicate bronze figurine and paintings. Thanjavur paintings of Lord Krishna and other deities are very much in demand. Visit the World heritage granite-stone Brihadeeswara Temple built by Raja Raja Chola I. This stone temple has an amazing 14-storey Vimana or Tower (216 feet) with unbelievable sculptures. The Single stone, twenty ton statue of Nandi Bull opposite the sanctum sanctorum is a must see. Other places of interest near Tanjore is the Sarabhoji Fort, Rajagopal Tower, Sadar Mahal, Bell Tower and an art gallery. Then there is the Our Lady of Sorrow Church at Pookara Street that dates back to 1740.

• Tanjore
• Breakfast Only

Tiruchirapally or Trichy is situated on the banks of the Cauvery River and is home to the biggest temple complex in India. This ancient city in India's southern peninsula is home to Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. This massive temple complex is encircled by seven concentric walls and 21 Gopurams (towers). The Jambukeswarar-Akilandeswari Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva while The Rock Fort Temple complex towers over the city. Reach Karakudi town in the afternoon and visit Chettinad Palace after checking into hotel. This region of Tamil Nadu is famous for its heritage mansions, temples and cuisine.

• Karaikudi
• Breakfast Only

Check out from the hotel and transfer to Madurai town. Upon arrival check into your hotel and then visit the sixteenth century water tank called Vandiyur Mariamman Teepakulam. In the middle is a platform with an ancient idol of Lord Vinayaka or Vigneshwara. This place comes alive with pilgrims in the months of January/ February with the hosting of the annual Teppakulam float festival. The eleventh century Meenakshi Temple was built by King Kulasekara Pandya and is one of the holiest places for Hindus. Each day thousands of Pilgrims flock towards Meenakshi Temple guided towards the massive temple complex by its soaring gopurams or towers. The gopurams are adorned by amazingly colourful sculptures of gods, goddesses, animals and deities. The temple complex is spread over six hectares with four entrances. The temple sanctum is not accessible to men and only women are allowed inside the sanctum sanatorium. There is museum on site called Temple Art Gallery that has some amazing stone and brass sculptures on display. Return to your hotel and later in the evening visit the temple again to observe the magical night ceremony at the temple. This is a must ritual that is performed every night. Overnight Madurai Travel Time: Karaikudi – Madurai 88km/1h56m

• Madurai
• Breakfast Only

After breakfast leave for Munnar and Kerala. Munnar is located amidst the mist-covered and densely forested mountains of the Western Ghats at an altitude of 1600 meters and over. The drive to Munnar is picturesque and provide an opportunity to stop at one of the numerous tea estates or coffee plantations. After checking in at your hotel start exploring Munnar. We recommend a visit to Eravikulam National Park, which is famous for its estimated 700-800 Nilgiri Tahr (a type of mountain goats) inhabitants, making it the largest and only wild place in the world to sustain this endangered species. You can add one extra night at Holiday Destination Munnar. Discuss extension option with your India Destination advisor.

• Munnar
• Breakfast Only

After breakfast leave for Thekaddy and the Periyaar Wild life sanctuary. This is one of the few wild life sanctuaries in the world where one can get up close to the wild life by boat including wild herds of elephant, Indian bison, wild mountain dogs, wild boars and more. This forest is also home to the elusive tiger. However due to the thick forest vegetation sighting of tigers is extremely rare. The best time to visit the lake is just before sunset or sunrise. You can add one extra night at Holiday Destination Thekaddy. Discuss extension option with your India Destination advisor.

• Thekaddy
• Breakfast Only

Lunch, Evening Tea/Coffee with snacks, dinner and enjoy your evening on the sundeck away from hustle and the bustle city life and maddening crowd. Dinner and overnight stay will be on the houseboat. Breakfast will be early morning on the Jetty and off the houseboat. Checkout time for Houseboat is 9 AM. A backwater cruise onboard your houseboat is a traditional and relaxing way to navigate the lagoons and palm fringed canals, bustling with glimpses of day to day life in rural India and countryside. Spend the night under the stars on the calm waters in a sheltered clove or harbour. The houseboat drops anchor just before dusk as per regulation. The houseboat is a one bedroom private houseboat, manned by a navigator/ captain and cook.

• Alleppey (Houseboat)
• Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Mararikulam is a tiny fisherman’s enclave by the beach. It derives its name from its local deity Lord Marari and the temple of Mararikulam Mahadevar dedicated to Lord Siva. A perfect beach holiday destination to relax towards the end of your Temple tour of South India. You can add extra nights at the beach resort. Discuss extension option with your India Destination advisor. Abad turtle beach resort is spread across 13 acres of land and beach. This lovely resort has a rivulet flowing on one side and the white sandy Marari beach on the other. At the resort are thirty beach cottages and villas with spacious air conditioned rooms with en-suite toilets and individual patio space. All room are equipped with a television, fridge, tea/coffee maker and safe deposit locker. Its in-house Ayurveda and herbal treatment center offers numerous herbal and wellness treatments by experienced Ayurveda practitioners and masseurs. On site is a multi-cuisine restaurant offering Indian as well as continental cuisine. It has an infinity swimming pool with a sun bathing deck.

• Mararikulam
• Breakfast Only

After breakfast leave for Cochin or Kochin. Day Tour of Cochin Colonial Monuments: Visit the oldest European church in India, which is St. Francis Church. This church was built in 1503 AD by the Portuguese, the unassuming church was later taken over by the Dutch and the British subsequently. The sea farer Vasco da Gama was buried here in the year 1524. Fourteen years later his body was sent to Portugal. Dutch Palace or Mattancherry Palace was originally built by Portuguese the sixteenth century and gifted to the local ruler in exchange for acquiring a trading outpost. The palace was renovated by the Dutch in seventeenth century. This small palace is an amalgamation of European and Kerala architecture with its central courtyard housing a shrine of Goddess Bhagwati. The palace’s sterile white walls give way to a colourful and ornate interior. Jewish Synagogue in Cochin is the oldest Jewish monument in India and built by the Jewish settlers in 1568. It was partially destroyed by the Portuguese and then rebuilt by the Dutch in 1664. A beautiful clock tower was added in the mid eighteenth century. Its floors are paved with fine hand-painted willow-pattern tiles. Inside the Synagogue is an ornate Belgian chandelier. Numerous silver and gold Torah scrolls and several hanging oil lamps adorn the interiors. The winding streets leading to the synagogue are dotted with olden Dutch and Portuguese bungalows which now double as residences as well as antique shops. Santa Cruz Cathedral built in the year 1887 is well renowned for its beautiful ceiling murals. Later in the evening enjoy a cultural event. The classic one hour dance recital of Kathakali at the Dance Theatre.

• Kochin
• Breakfast Only

Drop of to the international Airport and end of services.

• END OF SERVICES
• Breakfast Only